If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and easy to throw together, this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the answer. It’s packed with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning—comfort food at its best. This family-friendly casserole is simple to make, filling, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Hobo Casserole
- One-dish wonder – Everything bakes together for easy prep and cleanup.
- Comforting & hearty – Loaded with beef, potatoes, and cheese.
- Family favorite – Even picky eaters love this!
- Easy to customize – Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or spice it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Skillet – To brown the beef and cook the aromatics.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – For layering and baking.
- Foil – To cover during baking.
- Knife & cutting board – For prepping the ingredients.
- Measuring cups/spoons & spatula
How to Make Hobo Casserole Ground Beef
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Step 4:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes over the beef. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Step 5:
Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top. Pour beef broth (or water) around the edges, and add a drizzle of milk for creaminess if using.
Step 6:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 7:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Thin potatoes cook faster – Slice them thinly and evenly.
- Brown beef well – For maximum flavor, don’t rush the browning step.
- Add vegetables – Toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
- Cheese matters – Shredded cheese melts best, so skip the pre-sliced stuff.
- Let it rest – Give it 5 minutes after baking to settle and slice neatly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hobo casserole with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Warm garlic bread for soaking up the cheesy goodness
Fun Variations
- Use ground turkey or sausage – Switch up the protein.
- Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Try a cheesy broccoli twist – Add cooked broccoli before baking.
- Go meatless – Use plant-based ground “meat” and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
- Creamy version – Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup for extra richness.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work—just drain excess moisture first.
Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely. It’ll still be hearty without it, or use a dairy-free option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What kind of potatoes are best?
Yukon Gold or waxy potatoes hold their shape best, but russets work too.
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some good leftovers, this one’s a keeper. Easy, cheesy, cozy—what more could you ask for?